What Type of Screws to Hang Kitchen Cabinets?

Types of Screws for Hanging Kitchen Cabinets

There are several types of screws available, each with specific features that make them suitable for hanging kitchen cabinets. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and what makes them effective.

Cabinet Screws

• Overview: Cabinet screws are specifically designed for attaching cabinets to walls. They typically have a large washer head that provides a secure hold and distributes the weight evenly, reducing the risk of the screw pulling through the cabinet.
• Features: Cabinet screws often have deep threads that grip the wood or wall material firmly. They are usually made from hardened steel, providing strength and durability. The washer head is designed to sit flush with the cabinet surface, giving a clean and professional finish.
• When to Use: Cabinet screws are ideal for securing upper and lower kitchen cabinets to the wall, especially when attaching them to wall studs.

Wood Screws

• Overview: Wood screws are commonly used in woodworking and are suitable for hanging cabinets if chosen correctly. These screws are designed to fasten wood to wood and are available in a variety of lengths and gauges.
• Features: Wood screws have a tapered shank and a sharp, pointed tip that easily penetrates wood. The threads are deep, allowing the screw to grip the material tightly. Some wood screws have a flat head, which can be countersunk to sit flush with the wood surface.
• When to Use: Wood screws are a good choice when securing kitchen cabinets to wooden studs. They are also useful for joining cabinet components together, such as attaching face frames.

Drywall Screws

• Overview: Drywall screws are designed for fastening drywall to wooden or metal studs. While they are not typically recommended for hanging kitchen cabinets on their own, they can be used in combination with other screws or anchors in certain situations.
• Features: Drywall screws have a thin shank and coarse threads that provide a strong grip in drywall. However, they are not as strong as cabinet or wood screws, making them less suitable for bearing heavy loads.
• When to Use: Drywall screws can be used to attach cabinets to drywall if supplemented with proper wall anchors or if the cabinets are light and don’t require heavy-duty support.

Lag Screws

• Overview: Lag screws are heavy-duty fasteners designed for securing heavy objects to wood. They are larger and stronger than standard wood screws, making them suitable for heavy cabinets or when additional support is needed.
• Features: Lag screws have a thick shank and deep, coarse threads that provide a strong grip in wood. They typically require a pilot hole to be drilled before installation, and a wrench or socket is needed to drive them in.
• When to Use: Lag screws are ideal for hanging heavy kitchen cabinets, especially when attaching them to solid wood studs or beams. They provide exceptional strength and security.

Self-Drilling Screws

• Overview: Self-drilling screws, also known as Tek screws, have a drill-like point that allows them to penetrate materials without the need for a pilot hole. They are commonly used in metalworking but can also be used for certain cabinet installations.
• Features: These screws have a sharp tip that drills into the material, followed by deep threads that provide a secure grip. Self-drilling screws are often made from hardened steel and are available in various lengths and diameters.
• When to Use: Self-drilling screws can be used when attaching cabinets to metal studs or in situations where drilling a pilot hole is difficult. However, they are not as commonly used for kitchen cabinets as wood or cabinet screws.